Stillwater Kilts

Kilt-based fashions, both traditional and contemporary. Come on guys, bring on the pleats!
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Jaiden42
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Stillwater Kilts

Post by Jaiden42 »

I've been wanting to add to my kilt collection but at the moment funding is somewhat limited. I ran across Stillwater Kilts (http://www.stillwaterkilts.com) and their thrifty acrylic kilts. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them?

Also, I know it's not tradition and all but I'd rather not wear a kilt at my navel. I prefer all my garmets fit at the same spot, down at my natural waistline. Is it possible to just put it on there? or would there be issues with that?

Thanks
Jaiden
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r.m.anderson
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Location: Burnsville MN USA

Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by r.m.anderson »

I have had a great deal of experience with Stillwater Kilts.
I have 8.
2 of which are the Thrifty line.
The thrifty kilt is a strip down model with no belt - buckles or belt loops.
So how do you keep the kilt from falling off. The answer is velcro in the
waist band. The left apron side folds over the right and is held in place with
the velcro sewen in the waist. A fairly good adjustment can be made for about
3-4 inches of waist measurement (at the navel). The hem length is 24
inches (worn at the navel).
So Jaiden42 if you want to wear the kilt at your natural waist line then you
are going to have to shorten the hem. This is not as simple as just cutting
off the bottom measured to fit. The bottom of the hem is "selvaged".
What that means is the bottom edge of the hem is rewoven or interwoven
back upon itself to make a clean line that will not come unraveled during
washing, wearing and normal use. If you shorten the kilt then you are going
to have to find a way to prevent the unraveling of the tartan weave. Now
of course you could just like a pant cuff fold the cut piece back on itself and
then sew this together. BUT here is the problem when you do this - you
create a bulky edge that presents problems when you gather the fabric over
the pleats and unless you have some high pressure iron to compress this
edge it just ain't gonna look right.
Another alternative you could use a sewing machine called a serger and
cut and stitch the hem edge shut all in one if you have one. Most tailor and
seamstress repair/alterations places have these sewing machines and of
course there will be an expense in shortening the hem if you go this route.
Now as for the acrylic material you really could not ask for an easy care
material. Wash wear is a snap! Use an iron occasionally to make the pleats
sharp. And the best part about acrylic is it is light weight and not scratchy
like wool. So it is pleasant to wear in the warmer climates. Probably the best
all around casual kilt you will find on the market. Only thing coming close is
the Sportkilt which has a great deal better selection of tartans than the
Stillwater line. I must admit I am prejudiced since I live almost next door
to Stillwater but something to consider the Customer track record otherwise
known as 'Feedback'. Stillwater gets nothing but raves and kudos for its
customer service and speedy delivery. Something else to consider is if you
goof the measurements Stillwater is just outstanding working with you to
fix it. Beware they are fussy about the measurements. Just like the rule the
carpenters use "Measure twice - cut Once"!
I think you will make an excellent choice with the Stillwater Thrifty Kilt and
will not regret it one bit!
"KILT-ON"
rm
"YES SKIRTING MATTERS"!
"Kilt-On" -or- as the case may be "Skirt-On" !
WHY ?
Isn't wearing a kilt enough?
Well a skirt will do in a pinch!
Make mine short and don't you dare think of pinching there !
skirted
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Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by skirted »

I have one of there mid range kilts(black stewart), i love it . Well worth every dollar.
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WSmac
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Location: Northern California(North of the Bay Area, that is)

Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by WSmac »

I had one for a couple of years because of the people here who brought Stillwater to my attention.
I really liked mine... it just isn't my style and consequently, I wore it only 3 or 4 times at most.

BUT

It is now flying across the big pond over to MugMan accompanied by a plain SportKilt and bag.

I think the Stillwater Kilts are great for the price as well as the quality of build.
If I were apt to wear a plaid kilt someday in the future, it would be a Stillwater again.

I'm pretty much sticking to my sarongs, dhoti, UK, Amerikilt, MountainKilt, and assorted denim ones.
WSmac
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sapphire
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Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by sapphire »

Just a suggestion if you wish to hem a kilt.....

Hem facings are avaiable. They are made of lightweight ribbon. You would cut the garment to1/4 inch longer than the desired final length, sew the facing onto the right side of the fabric, then turn the facing over to the wrong side of the fabric and hand sew the facing selvage onto the wrong side of the fabric.

There will be far less bulk than if you tried to hem the fabric in the traditional sense and the facing will take pleats more readily than other hemming techniques.

Hand sewing takes patience, but done carefully, only picking up a thread or two of the kilt material, will yield a seam that is vitually invisible.
Moderation is for monks. To enjoy life, take big bites.
-------Lazarus Long
flarob
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Location: Tampa Fl Area

Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by flarob »

Hello,

I would just add a word about a good kiltmaker in Pa. http://www.USAKilts.com I've been to their store and was very pleased with what I saw. Their acryilic casual kilts as well as their semi trad and full trad, all were of great quality. Take a look.

Rob
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rick401r
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Location: Ohio

Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by rick401r »

I own one of the Stillwater acrylic kilts in the Black Watch tartan. It's a fine everyday kilt. Just don't have one too many ales and drop your cigarette on it. I melted a hole in mine. But that's okay. It gives it that used look. Also Stillwater offers kilt hangers at a good price.
Mipi
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Re: Stillwater Kilts

Post by Mipi »

sapphire wrote:Just a suggestion if you wish to hem a kilt.....

Hem facings are avaiable. They are made of lightweight ribbon. You would cut the garment to1/4 inch longer than the desired final length, sew the facing onto the right side of the fabric, then turn the facing over to the wrong side of the fabric and hand sew the facing selvage onto the wrong side of the fabric.

There will be far less bulk than if you tried to hem the fabric in the traditional sense and the facing will take pleats more readily than other hemming techniques.

Hand sewing takes patience, but done carefully, only picking up a thread or two of the kilt material, will yield a seam that is vitually invisible.

Maybe using the fusable (duoble side) hem facings and iron it on. Never tried but could work.
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